Hi

I speak English English rather than American English so understand you!

First thing before entering the minefield of buying an oboe is to find your teacher then you will have someone who should be able to advise you & might even know of a suitable oboe.

As a repairer I fequently see instruments that have been bought without getting expert advice & the owners are understanbly upset when I have to tell them they bought a load of rubbish or an old instrument that does not have keywork systems that are acceptable these days.

I would suggest asking other players & the music staff at school about teachers; also the Birmingham Conservatoire might hold a list.
Two on line sites to look at: http://music-teachers.firsttutors.co.uk,
www.musicteachers.co.uk

'...a price which isn't stupidly expensive'

I'm afraid that compared to flutes, clarinets & even saxes oboes are expensive.

There aren't many specialist double reed shops in UK - the major one being Howarth in London. Peter Davies (The Woodwind Workshop)in Huddersfield is also an oboe specialist - he doesn't appear to have a web site at the moment but phone is 01484 351900. You could also look at Crowther in Canterbury; Myatt in Hitchen; Dawkes Music, Maidenhead. Also I occasionally have used instruments for sale. (Currently I have ones by Buffet, Cabart & Kreul)

Good luck with your hunt.